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2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Can anybody "silly season" in the SIAC? That was what it was like for that league in 2011, as none of its teams won more than eight games overall, while losing at least one conference game along the way. The conference fared poorly in postseason play last season, as Albany State (Ga.) was crushed by North Greenville in the first round in the NCAA Division II playoffs, while Miles--the team that knocked off the Golden Rams to win the inaugural SIAC championship game--lost to Johnson C. Smith, 35-33, in a thriller at the Pioneer Bowl.
If that wasn't enough, three teams (Benedict, Clark Atlanta, and Fort Valley), all finished with identical 2-8 overall records. Oh, and normally powerful Tuskegee struggled in surprisingly down season, finishing a disappointing 4-6.
Looking ahead: Don't be surprised to see even more silliness in the SIAC this season. Who knows, maybe Tuskegee can get back to being Tuskegee in 2012.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
East Division
1. Morehouse (8-2): Although the Maroon Tigers finished 6-1 in SIAC play, that one loss--a 25-15 setback to Albany State--cost them a trip to the league's first-ever title game in 2011, not to mention a possible trip to postseason play. Their toughest non-conference game to start 2012 will be on September 15, when they travel to Cleveland, Ohio to face defending CIAA champion and NCAA Division II national semifinalist Winston Salem State.
2. Albany State (Ga.)--(8-4): An upset loss to Miles in the inaugural SIAC title game, followed by that blowout defeat in the first round in the D-II playoffs, dampened an otherwise decent 2011 season for the Golden Rams. Head Coach Mike White enters the 2012 season needing just seven wins to join the 100-win club as active head coach, with a 93-40 career record entering his 12th season. Still, ASU has to navigate its way through a non-conference schedule, which opens up against, you guessed it, North Greenville, at home on September 1. That's followed by two key tests in North Carolina against Wingate and Elizabeth City State on back-to-back weekends. Also, the Golden Rams must match-up with Morehouse in Atlanta on October 13.
3. Fort Valley State (2-8): If the Wildcats are to be serious contenders for an SIAC championship in 2012, they must learn how to win the close games they lost in 2011. FVSU lost five games by nine points or less last season. To open this season, the Wildcats will pay visits to perennial Gulf South Conference powers Delta State and Valdosta State.
4. Clark Atlanta (2-8): Like Fort Valley State, the Panthers also lost a lot of close games in 2011, losing five of their eight contests by 10 points or less.
5. Benedict (2-8): Looks like there's a theme with these teams and close losses. The Tigers lost three games by six points or less last season, although both of their wins also came by six points or less, including a thrilling 23-17 victory over Shaw.
West Division
1. Tuskegee (4-6): After a disappointing 2011 campaign that saw them go winless (0-3) in non-conference games, the Golden Tigers hope to return to their rightful place at the top of the SIAC standings in 2012. Early non-conference games against Alabama A&M from the FCS, as well as defending Pioneer Bowl champion Johnson C. Smith could determine how far head coach Willie J. Slater and his charges will go this season.
2. Stillman (7-4): The Tigers started fast right out of the gate in 2011, winning six of their first seven games. But they faded down the stretch, losing three of their last four contests. If they hope to cross the finish line as at least the West Division champions in 2012, the Tigers must learn how to finish the season better than they started.
3. Miles (7-5): Speaking of the "it's not how you start, but how you finish" adage, the Golden Bears struggled to a 1-3 start, only to go 6-1 over their final seven games of the 2011 regular season to win the inaugural SIAC championship game, as well as earn a berth in the Pioneer Bowl. Although they suffered a tough season-ending loss to Johnson C. Smith in that contest, the Golden Bears enjoyed their first winning season since 2004. With tough non-conference games against the likes of North Alabama, Shaw, and West Georgia to open the 2012 season, just matching last season's seven-win mark, much less making a return trip to the SIAC title game, will be a challenge.
4. Kentucky State (6-4): The Thorobreds will play nine regular season games in 2012, including a trip to Philadelphia to face Lincoln (Pa.) on September 8.
5. Lane (4-6): A 26-24 upset win over Albany State--the first in the program's history--was the highlight of an otherwise disappointing 2011 season for the Dragons, who finished last in the West Division at 2-5.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Georgetown (Ky.) had another banner season on the gridiron in 2011, advancing to the national semifinals of the NAIA playoffs, before being crushed by eventual national runner-up, Carroll (Mont.), 35-3. The only other Mid-South Conference team to reach postseason play was Bethel (Tenn.). Unlike the Tigers, though, the Wildcats were "one and done" after round one, as they were eliminated by eventual national champion St. Xavier in convincing fashion, 51-13.
Looking ahead: With the elimination of West Virginia University Tech's football program, as well as the departure of Shorter University of Rome, Georgia, to the NCAA Division II level, the MSC will have a new look in 2012, operating with 13 schools, six in the East Division, seven in the West. Additonally, Bluefield College will have a team take the field for the first time since 1941, while another Georgia institution, Reinhardt University, will join the MSC in 2013.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
East Division
1. Georgetown (Ky.)--(12-1): After the magical carpet ride that was the 2011 season, the Tigers hope to have an encore performance for the 2012 season. Their schedule will consist almost entirely of teams within the MSC this year.
2. Cumberlands (Ky.)--(7-3): The Patriots make the move to the East Division after finishing tied for second place in the West Division with archrival Cumberland (Tenn.) at 4-2 last season. A season-ending five-game winning streak has the faithful in Williamsburg, Kentucky hopeful for a strong performance this season. Still, they must pay a visit to Georgetown on October 6.
3. Kentucky Christian (4-7): The Knights will try to improve on last year's 2-3 mark in MSC East Division play.
4. Virginia-Wise (5-6): The Highland Cavaliers hope for a better ending to 2012 after finishing 2011 with three straight losses. In those final three games, they were outscored 140-28.
5. Pikeville (4-6): The Bears saw a promising 4-1 start fizzle to a season-ending five game skid last season. They were held to 28 points or less in each of those contests.
6. Union (Ky.)--(2-9): The Bulldogs and their faithful will be more than glad to welcome 2012 after a miserable 2011 season. Six of their games this season, though, will be on the road.
West Division
1. Cumberland (Tenn.)--(7-3): The Bulldogs hope to re-group after losing their last two games of last season. That came after a 7-1 start.
2. Bethel (Tenn.)--(8-3): The Wildcats have a tough row to hoe in 2012 after winning the West at 5-1 in conference games in 2011.
3. Campbellsville (7-5): The Tigers hope to take the next step towards the NAIA playoffs in 2012 after ending 2011 with five straight wins, including a 21-7 victory over Greenville in the NCCAA Victory Bowl.
4. Belhaven (5-6): The Blazers have just one non-NAIA opponent to play against this season: NCAA Division III Louisiana College at home on September 8.
5. Lindsey Wilson (7-3): The Blue Raiders might be hard pressed to get above the seven-win mark in 2012. All three of their losses in 2011 came against ranked teams.
6. Faulkner (3-7): A season-ending, high scoring, triple overtime win over Union (Ky.) ended an otherwise disappointing 2011 season for the Eagles. That victory is something that will hopefully carry over into the 2012 season.
7. Bluefield (n/a): As the Rams take the field for the first time in more than 70 years this year, they hope to give it their best effort.
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2011 Final Standings (as the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference)
Looking back: As a member of the former Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) in 2011, Centre earned its first-ever NCAA Division III playoff berth, advancing to the second round before losing to Mount Union, 30-10.
Looking ahead: Leaving the two Texas schools, Trinity and Austin, behind, the five remaining SCAC members, Birmingham-Southern, Centre, Millsaps, Rhodes, and Sewanee ("aka" University of the South), formed the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) in Septeember 2011. The so-called "Original Five" members of SAA football will take the field for the first time in 2012, with full members Berry College, of Rome, Georgia, and Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, both making plans to start their gridiron programs in 2013. Additionally, the University of Chicago and Washington University of St. Louis will join the SAA as associate members for football only in 2015.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Centre (9-2): Fresh off a postseason appearance, the Colonels will likely be playing for right to become the first-ever football champion of the SAA, and not much else. The toughest non-conference game on their 2012 schedule is on September 15, when they travel to Virginia to take on Washington and Lee.
2. Birmingham-Southern (7-2): Back-to-back losses in October doomed the Panthers hopes for postseason play in 2011. If they're get to finally get there in 2012, they'll likely to have to go undefeated during the regular season. With a tough schedule includes an October 6 visit to Wesley, that might not be easy.
3. Millsaps (4-6): The Majors hope to put the misery of 2011 behind them in 2012. They lost three straight games to end last season.
4. Sewanee (5-5): Although the Tigers had one of their better seasons in years, they still managed to finish just 2-4 in SCAC action last year. They'll welcome two teams from the Northwest Conference this season in Puget Sound and Willamette.
5. Rhodes (3-6): The Lynx face an uphill battle after finishing 1-5 in SCAC play last season.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Norfolk State took home the MEAC crown last season, as well as advanced to the FCS playoffs for the first time ever last season, only to be ousted in the first round of the FCS playoffs by Old Dominion, 35-18. Also, Bethune-Cookman missed out on the 2011 postseason despite a season-ending six-game winning streak.
Looking ahead: With two of its teams, Hampton and North Carolina A&T, both recently being declared postseason ineligible due to the Academic Progress Rate (APR), the MEAC championship race will be watered down tremendously in 2012.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Norfolk State (9-3): The Spartans not only got the job done on the field--in winning the MEAC title with a 7-1 record against conference opponents--they also got it done off the field, winning the league's APR award for the third straight season. As for 2012, Norfolk State will travel to Liberty for a non-conference game on September 8, before beginning defense of their conference crown against Howard at home the following week. If that wasn't enough, the Spartans will hit the road again to face FBS Ohio the week after that.
2. Bethune-Cookman (8-3): Despite a six-game winning streak to end 2011, it was likely that 2-3 start that spelled doom for the Wildcats postseason hopes. A better start to 2012, which includes a non-conference visit to FCS (BCS/ACC) Miami (Fla.) on September 15, could help their chances down the stretch.
3. South Carolina State (7-4): The Bulldogs will face two teams from BCS conferences--Arizona from the Pac-12, as well as Texas A&M from the SEC--in back-to-back weeks this season. That's followed by a critical home game against defending MEAC champion Norfolk State on September 29.
4. Florida A&M (7-4): The Rattlers look to put themselves in the thick of the MEAC title race after finishing 5-3 in conference play last season.
5. Howard (5-6): The Bison will look to take that next step after finishing MEAC play at 4-4 in 2011.
6. Morgan State (5-6): Back-to-back games against the MAC (FBS Mid-American Conference), in the form of visits to Buffalo and Akron, respectively, will highlight the non-conference portion of the Bears schedule in 2012.
7. Delaware State (3-8): The Hornets were one of three teams that finished in a three-way tie for last place in the MEAC at 1-7 last season. If they have any hope of winning their first conference title since 2007, they must replace 17 starters lost due to graduation.
8. North Carolina Central (2-9): The Eagles look to soar high in their second full season in the MEAC.
9. Savannah State (1-10): The Tigers open their 2012 campaign with back-to-back visits to BCS conference schools in Big 12 Oklahoma State and ACC Florida State. Additionally, they'll pay another visit to Tallahassee later in this season, as they face Florida A&M on October 13.
Not eligible for MEAC title/FCS playoffs
Hampton (7-4): With the reality of the APR ban starting to sink in, all the Pirates can do in 2012 is simply play for pride.
North Carolina A&T (5-6): The Aggies find themselves in the same situation as the Pirates: having nothing to play aside from pride.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Towson
not only took home its first-ever Colonial Athletic Association (CAA)
title in 2011, it also became the first team in NCAA history to advance
to the playoffs in three separate divisions (Division III runners-up in 1976, Division II in 1983, 1984, and 1986, and the FCS in 2011).
The Tigers joined four other teams (Old Dominion, Maine, New Hampshire,
and James Madison) in advancing to the FCS playoffs last season. A
sixth team, Delaware, was left out of the FCS field despite a 7-4
overall record. Only the Black Bears were able to advance as far as the
quarterfinals, with their season ending in a 35-23 loss to Georgia
Southern.
Looking ahead: It
has already lost Massachusetts to the NCAA Division I Football Bowl
Subdivsion (FBS) ranks for 2012. Now, the CAA will lose two more
programs, Georgia State and Old Dominion, to the Sun Belt Conference and
Conference USA, respectively, by 2013. Other programs, in the CAA as
well as other conferences, may follow suit beyond the 2013 season. Those moves alone leave the CAA's future in limbo. Still, the league will operate with 11 teams in 2012.
Update (as of June 25, 2012): Because of CAA by-laws, neither Georgia State nor Old Dominion will be eligible for the FCS playoffs this season. Therefore, here are the revised predicttions for the conference below.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Towson (9-3): The Tigers
finished 7-1 in conference play to win their first-ever CAA
championship, and earn a first round bye in the process. But their postseason run
was cut short by Lehigh in a 40-38 loss. It came after the program had
just one win in 2010. Now the challenge for head coach Rob Ambrose and
his charges is to continue to build on last season's run. The 2012 schedule includes visits to FBS Kent State and LSU.
2. Maine (9-4): The Black Bears had a season to remember in 2011,
advancing to the quarterfinals before losing to Georgia Southern. With
14 starters returning, seven on both sides of the football, expect them
to be in both the CAA title and FCS playoff discussion for 2012.
3. Delaware (7-4): The Blue Hens
started 4-4, only to win three straight games to finish 5-3 in CAA
action last season. If they're to make the playoffs this season, they
must overcome the loss of seven starters on offense.
4. New Hampshire (8-4): Head Coach Sean McDonnell enters his 14th season at the Wildcats helm, needing just four wins to earn his 100th career coaching win. He'll also try to put UNH in the FCS playoffs for the ninth year in a row. The highlight of the 2012 schedule includes a September 8 visit to Minnesota of the FBS (BCS) Big 10 Conference.
5. James Madison (8-5): Like McDonnell, Mickey Matthews will go into his 14th season leading the Dukes
onto the field. Like his counterpart at New Hampshire, Matthews is
just four wins away from his 100th career victory. JMU advanced to the
second round of the FCS playoffs before being eliminated by eventual
national champion North Dakota State, 26-14. If they're to make an even
deeper postseason run in 2012, the Dukes must replace six starters on defense.
6. William & Mary (5-6): After making back-to-back FCS playoff appearances the last two years, the Tribe
slumped to a 3-5 finish in CAA action last season. Moving up in the
standings may be prove to be a challenge for head coach Jimmye Laycock,
who enters his 33rd season as the winningest head coach in W&M
history, having compiled a career record of 213-151-2. The 2012 slate includes back-to-back late season visits to New Hampshire and Old Dominion.
7. Rhode Island (3-8): As if losing programs to the FBS wasn't bad enough, the CAA will lose another, the Rams, to the Northeast Conference
at the end of the upcoming 2012 season. While head coach Joe Trainer
welcomes back nine starters from last season, he also must replace 13 of
them. URI hasn't had a winning season since 1995, or have been to the playoffs since 1985.
8. Villanova (2-9): It seems as if the national championship season of 2009 is a distant memory for the Wildcats faithful, as the team finished CAA play a dismal 1-7 in 2011.
9. Richmond (3-8): The team that won it all in 2008 also hit rock bottom in 2011, as the Spiders lost eight straight games, all in CAA action, after a promising 3-0 start, as well as a national ranking as high as No. 5.
Not eligible for CAA title/FCS playoffs
Old Dominion (10-3): The Monarchs
made history in just their third season of football, as they made their
first-ever FCS playoff appearance. They advanced to the second round
before being eliminated by Georgia Southern, 55-48. Now, as they prepare
to play in their final FCS season this fall, the Monarchs hope to go
out with another winning season. With eight offensive and seven defensive starters
coming back, they just might have the team to get the job done this
year.
Georgia State (3-8): The Panthers first season in the CAA, sadly, will be the last, as they begin the transition to the FBS Sun Belt Conference in 2013.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Stony Brook not only won the Big South Conference's automatic bid to the 2011 FCS playoffs, the Seawolves also won their first-ever game as an NCAA Division I member, as they outlasted Albany (N.Y.), 31-28, in the first round. Their season ended in the second round the following weekend, though, as eventual national runner-up Sam Houston State held off the Seawolves, 34-27.
Looking ahead: Stony Brook will have plenty of challengers, primarily Liberty and Coastal Carolina, in their quest to defend its Big South Conference crown in 2012.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Stony Brook (9-4): The Seawolves face a tough task in repeating as Big South champs in 2012. Among the non-conference games they must play before beginning defense of that title include a couple of games against two FBS opponents; at soon-to-be former Big East turned ACC member Syracuse on September 15, followed by a visit to Army two weeks later. That also includes a September 22 home game against Colgate sandwiched in between those contests. Their conference opener will be at home against Charleston Southern on October 6.
2. Liberty (7-4): The Flames saw their quest to take home at least another share of their fifth straight Big South Conference title fall by the wayside, losing to Stony Brook title, 41-31, on the final day of the 2011 regular season. If they're to finally advance to their first-ever FCS playoff in 2012, they must do it under new head coach Turner Gill, who comes to Liberty from BCS Big 12 Conference Kansas. Additionally, the Flames must also overcome a tough non-conference schedule that includes games against ACC foe Wake Forest, as well as games against 2011 playoff participants Norfolk State, Lehigh, and Montana.
3. Coastal Carolina (7-4): The Chanticleers will look to improve on last year's 3-3 record in Big South games from 2011. They hope a three-game winning streak to end last season will carry over into this season. Oh, and like Liberty, CCU will enter 2012 with a new head coach in Joe Moglia.
4. Presbyterian (4-7): The Blue Hose will also face at least two teams from BCS conferences in Georgia Tech from the ACC, as well as Vanderbilt from the SEC, this season. Both contests will be played on September 8 and 15, respectively.
5. Gardner-Webb (4-7): The Runnin' Bulldogs hope to turn things around after struggling to a 2-4 Big South Conference finish last season.
6. VMI (2-9): A season-ending win over Gardner-Webb capped an otherwise forgettable 2011 season for the Keydets, who are still looking for their first winning season since 1981.
7. Charleston Southern (0-11): The Buccaneers enter 2012 having lost 12 games in a row. Their last win came on November 13, 2010, when they outlasted Presbyterian, 42-39.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Georgia Southern advanced to the national semifinals of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs for the second straight season. But for the second straight season, the Eagles path to the national championship was derailed on the road. This time, it was eventual national champion North Dakota State that ended Georgia Southern's season. Two other teams earned byes, Wofford and Appalachian State, earned byes to the FCS dance, but were bounced in second round action by Northern Iowa and Maine, respectively.
Looking ahead: Will the third time be the charm for Head Coach Jeff Monken and Georgia Southern? Or will Wofford or Appalachian State provide a serious challenge to the Eagles in what's sure to be another competitive race in the Southern Conference?
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Georgia Southern (11-3): With 16 starters and 56 letterwinners returning from last year's Southern Conference championship team, the Eagles have a very good chance to make yet another deep postseason run this year. Two of their likely toughest games of 2012 will be played at home, with the Wofford paying a visit to Statesboro on October 13, while the Appalachian State contest will be played on November 3. If they can stay healthy and focused, there's no reason why the Eagles can't be considered serious contenders for not only a Southern Conference championship, but maybe their first national championship since 2000.
2. Appalachian State (8-4): As hard as it might be to believe, the Mountaineers need just six wins in league play to win their 200th Southern Conference game in program history. Coming into the 2012 campaign, ASU has an all-time record of 194-81-5 in SoCon contests. Still, App State and Head Coach Jerry Moore have bigger goals in mind, like making a deeper playoff run. The Mountaineers were "one and done" after earning a first-round bye in the FCS playoffs last season, losing to Maine at home in round two. With East Carolina being their lone FBS opponent to open the season on September 1, ASU could have yet another banner year.
3. Wofford (8-4): The Terriers look to continue their recent string of postseason appearances in 2012, as they've advanced to the FCS playoffs in back-to-back seasons, and four times in the last five years dating back to 2007. With 17 starters coming back, their chances of spending another Thanksgiving weekend, and beyond, playing in a postseason contest appear to be pretty good.
4. Furman (6-5): The Purple Paladins look to earn their first FCS playoff appearance since 2006. But with a tough start to the 2012 season that includes a visit to defending ACC champion Clemson on September 15, getting there won't be easy.
5. Samford (6-5): A tough three-game stretch on the road during the last three weeks of September could decide how far the Bulldogs will go in 2012. They hope to earn first postseason appearance since 1992.
6. Elon (5-6): The Phoenix will look to rise again after a disappointing 2011 season in which they finished 3-5 in Southern Conference play.
7. Chattanooga (5-6): Here's another fact from the "believe it or not" department. The Mocs are just 12 wins away from not only winning their 500th game all-time, but also be two games above .500 all-time, not counting tie games. The only problem with that is they would have to win 12 straight games, meaning they would have to do undefeated throughout the regular season, as well as win at least one playoff game to do it. With the Southern Conference being strong from top to bottom year-in and year-out, just having a winning season would do wonders for the Mocs.
8. Citadel (4-7): After opening the 2012 season at home against crosstown archrival Charleston Southern, the Bulldogs will be tested early against Georgia Southern in the SoCon opener for both teams the following week. Oh, and there's a trip to North Carolina State two weeks later. Ouch!
9. Western Carolina (1-10): The Catamounts look to begin their long climb out of the Southern Conference cellar under first-year head coach Mark Speir.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Mars Hill and Lenoir-Rhyne were the only South Atlantic Conference (SAC) squads to post overall winning records in 2011. Only Mars Hill managed to advance to postseason play a year ago, losing to North Greenville, 58-32, in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. By the way, it was the Lions first-ever trip to postseason play of any kind last season.
Looking ahead: Expect the SAC to be much improved on the field in 2012. That means Mars Hill and Lenoir-Rhyne will both be looking over its shoulders a lot this season.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Mars Hill (8-3): With a tough 2012 schedule that opens up with visits to FCS foes Western Carolina and Southeast Missouri State on back-to-back weekends, as well as a September 22 visit to North Greenville, it might be tough for the Lions to even reach that eight win plateau of 2011, let alone make a deep postseason run, should they get there.
2. Lenoir-Rhyne (7-3): The Bears managed to gain a share of the SAC title by routing Mars Hill, 51-21, on October 22. But a tough loss at Tusculum the week before proved costly, as two their two non-conference losses, with one of those coming against, ironically, North Greenville, that kept them from earning their first postseason appearance since 1962. The opening act of 2012 won't do the Bears any favors either, as they must pay a visit to West Virginia to face defending WVIAC champion Concord on September 1.
3. Wingate (5-6): Tough losses to a pair of Georgia teams (Valdosta State and Albany State) set the tone for a disappointing 2011 season by Bulldog standards. While the Golden Rams will remain on the schedule for 2012, they'll open the season at St. Augustine's on September 1.
4. Carson-Newman (5-6): The Eagles are also looking to get back to their winning ways after a down year, finishing 3-4 in SAC action last year. Head Coach Ken Sparks enters the 2012 season needing just one win to become the latest active coach to win at least 300 games in his career. He has a career record of 299-80-2 going into his 33rd season.
5. Newberry (4-6): A 24-3 rout of Carson-Newman was the highlight of an otherwise disappointing 2011 season for the Wolves. While they begin the 2012 season with four straight home games, they must open on September 1 with a tough test against D-II playoff participant Elizabeth City State.
6. Catawba (3-8): The Indians will look ahead to 2012 after finishing a dismal 2-5 in SAC play in 2011.
7. Tusculum (3-8): The Pioneers are also looking to put 2011 behind them. They also finished 2-5 in the SAC a year ago.
8. Brevard (3-8): After finishing last in the SAC at 1-6 last season, the Tornados have nowhere to go but up this season.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Winston-Salem State had one of those magic carpet ride kind of seasons in 2011, as the Rams advanced to the NCAA Division II national semifinals, before being upset by eventual national runner-up Wayne State (Mich.). WSSU was one of just three teams to finish last season with a winning record, as Elizabeth City State (8-4) and Johnson C. Smith (6-5) also posted winning seasons.
Looking ahead: The Rams might be hard-pressed to repeat that amazing run of last season. Also, the CIAA is celebrating its 100th anniversary this season.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
Northern Division
1. Elizabeth City State (8-4): The Vikings took home the CIAA Northern Division crown with a 6-1 mark in conference play in 2011, losing to California (Pa.) in a 44-0 shutout in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. That setback followed a 38-18 thumping by Winston-Salem State in the CIAA championship game a week earlier. Still, it won't be an easy task for ECSU to return to postseason play in 2012, as the non-conference portion of their schedule has tough tests against perennial D-II playoff participants Delta State on September 8, followed by Albany State (Ga.) on September 15, both at home.
2. Virginia Union (5-5): The Panthers enter the 2012 campaign looking to improve on their 3-4 finish in CIAA action from 2011. A stretch of three straight road games during the month of September--which wraps up with a visit to Winston-Salem State on September 22--will test this team's mettle. With 18 starters returning, 11 of them on defense, don't be surprised if the Panthers are in the thick of the division race this season.
3. Virginia State (5-5): The Trojans will try to build on last year's 4-3 conference finish. The big highlight from 2011 came during their homecoming contest on October 29, when they crushed archrival Virginia State, 39-14.
4. Bowie State (4-6): The Bulldogs look to bounce back after a three-game skid ended their 2011 season.
5. Lincoln (Pa.)--(2-8): A visit to FCS Wofford on September 8, as well as a home game against Kentucky State the following week, will highlight the 2012 slate for the Lions.
6. Chowan (3-7): The Hawks have an uphill battle in 2012, after a six-game skid sent them into sharing the division basement with Lincoln last season.
Southern Division
1. Winston-Salem State (13-1): After a remarkable 2011 season which saw them advance to the national semifinals, the Rams and their faithful hope to have an encore performance in 2012. But the road back to postseason play will be anything but easy, as WSSU must face the likes of UNC Pembroke, Concord, and Morehouse, among other opponents. And that's just the non-conference portion of the schedule.
2. Johnson C. Smith (6-5): The Golden Bulls didn't exactly have a "golden" season on the football field, but did finish the 2011 campaign with their first winning record in years, as they outlasted SIAC champion Miles, 35-33, to win the Pioneer Bowl title. They hope to carry the momentum from that win into 2012, which includes a home date with Winston-Salem State on October 6.
3. Fayetteville State (4-6): A 44-23 rout of JCSU on October 29 was the big highlight of an otherwise mediocre season for the Broncos.
4. St. Augustine's (4-6): The Falcons 2012 schedule includes a September 8 home game against D-II playoff quarterfinalist New Haven--whom, ironically, Winston-Salem State eliminated--on September 8, followed by a visit to the Chargers archrival--Southern Connecticut State, the following weekend.
5. Shaw (3-7): After winning the CIAA crown in 2010, the Bears fell back to earth in 2011, finishing a disappointing 3-4 in conference play. They hope to work their back to the top in 2012.
6. Livingstone (1-9): The Blue Bears find themselves in the nowhere to go but up category after going winless (0-7) in CIAA play last season.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Christopher Newport advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs for the eighth time in the program's 11-year history in 2011, as the Captains posted their second-ever undefeated season (7-0) in USAC play. Still, Kean sent CNU packing in the first round of the D-III dance, losing 34-10.
Looking ahead: Changes are on the way in the USAC, for 2012 and beyond. LaGrange College from Georgia, and Maryville College from Tennessee will join the fold this season, while Shenandoah has left the USAC for the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Also, Huntingdon College from Montgomery, Alabama will join the conference. effective in 2013.
Additionally, Christopher Newport will join the Capital Athletic Conference in 2013 as a full member. However, the Captains are expected to remain a football-only member of the USAC until at least the 2015 season. In other words, don't be surprised if CNU joins forces with schools such as Frostburg State, Salisbury, Stevenson, and Wesley to form a new football league under the Capital Athletic Conference umbrella by at least 2016.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Christopher Newport (8-3): Head Coach Matt Kelchner enters his 12th season of leading the Captains onto the field. He enters the 2012 season with a career record of 76-40 (.655). Speaking of which, the first three games of this year will provide numerous tests for CNU, with the Captains squaring off against D-III playoff quarterfinalist Salisbury, as well as defending ODAC champion Hampden-Sydney to open the campaign.
2. Ferrum (7-3): The Panthers overcame an 0-2 start to the 2011 season to win seven of their final eight games, including a 6-1 mark in USAC play. Their only loss in that span: a 48-30 setback to Christopher Newport on November 5. If they hope to win to break the stranglehold CNU has had on the USA South Athletic Conference in 2012, the Panthers will likely have to beat the Captains. They'll get that chance on October 6, when they make the trip to Newport News, Virginia.
3. Maryville (4-6): The Scots begin their first season as a full member of the USAC with a visit to future conference member Huntingdon on September 1. Their conference opener is on September 29, playing host to CNU.
4. Averett (3-7): The Cougars hope to put the misery of 2011 behind them in 2012, as they look to improve on last season's 2-5 conference record.
5. North Carolina Wesleyan (2-8): The Battling Bishops will look to battle their way back to the top of the USAC standings after a dismal 2011 season, in which they also finished conference play at 2-5.
6. Methodist (3-7): The third team to finish in a three-way tie for fifth place in 2011, at 2-5 in the USAC, the Monarchs hope to make a move up in the standings under second year head coach Dave Eavenson.
7. LaGrange (4-6): After spending the last three seasons as an independent, the Panthers will embark on a new journey in 2012, as they join the USAC.
8. Greensboro (0-10): The Pride played in just two games decided by five points or less last season, both losses, to Apprentice, 9-7, on September 17, as well as to Christopher Newport, 27-22, on October 29. The program's last win came on November 6, 2010, with the Pride outlasting Methodist, 22-19.
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Like in the last post on the NCAA Division II West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC), the NCAA Division III Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) also had one of those so-called "silly seasons" in 2011. The main difference between the ODAC and the WVIAC, aside from the obvious difference in divisions, is in the won-lost records.
Three teams, Washington & Lee, Hampden-Sydney, and Randolph-Macon, all finished last season with eight wins each. While W&L and H-SC both finished ODAC action with identical 5-1 league records, it was their dramatic 42-35 win over the Generals that gave the Tigers the automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs. Taking away Hampden-Sydney's first round playoff loss to Centre, the aforementioned trio finished with a combined overall regular season record of 24-6 (.800). R-MC finished third in the ODAC at 4-2 in conference play.
Looking ahead: Shenandoah joins the ODAC from the USA South Athletic Conference as a full-time member this season. As for on the field, barring any multiple serious injuries on any of those teams, expect the trio of Hampden-Sydney, Randolph-Macon, and Washington & Lee to do battle for the ODAC title in 2012.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Hampden-Sydney (8-3): The Tigers senior class finished 35-4 in taking home the ODAC title in 2011, the program's third in the last five years. This year's seniors will have a tremendous task in building on that winning tradition. Believe it or not, H-SC head coach Marty Favret needs 11 wins to join the 100-win club. In order to get there in 2012, though, the Tigers must win at least 11 games, something this program has never accomplished in its long, storied history.
2. Randolph-Macon (8-2): Despite ending the 2011 season with three straight wins, including a win in the season finale over H-SC in the "Game", the Yellow Jackets found themselves on the outside looking in when postseason play started. The 2012 season opener at defending Centennial Conference champion Johns Hopkins could shed light on the kind of season the Yellow Jackets might have.
3. Washington & Lee (8-2): In the last two years, the Generals have had a combined record of 16-5 overall, including a D-III playoff berth in 2010, as well as a combined 11-1 mark in ODAC play during that span. Still, a loss to Hampden-Sydney in the 2011 finale not only denied them their second straight undefeated season in conference play, it also cost the Generals a trip to postseason play. While they hope to get back there in 2012, they must navigate their way through a tough schedule that includes a home game against D-III playoff participant on September 15, as well as key ODAC games against Randolph-Macon and Hampden-Sydney on October 13 and November 3, respectively. Both of the contests will be at home for W&L as well.
4. Emory and Henry (5-5): The Wasps started the 2011 season at 4-1, only to lose four straight games, before crushing Guilford, 30-6, to finish 2-4 in ODAC play, as well as finish at .500 for the second straight season. In order to get back above the .500 mark for 2012, E&H must avoid the lengthy losing streaks that have forced it to settle for back-to-back mediocre seasons. But getting that elusive winning record will be anything but easy, as the Wasps will face six teams that had winning records themselves last season.
5. Bridgewater (Va.)--(6-4): With the exception of a 7 p.m. game at Guilford on October 11, all of the Eagles 2012 games will be played at the same time: 1 p.m., local time. Their longest trip of the season will be on Opening Day, as they travel to Western Pennsylvania to face St. Vincent on September 1. It will also include home games against Hampden-Sydney and Washington & Lee, as well as a late-season visit to Randolph-Macon.
6. Shenandoah (6-4): The Hornets finished a respectable 5-2 in their final season as a member of the USA South Athletic Conference. But they might be hard-pressed to repeat that feat in their first season in the ODAC, as they take on the likes of Christopher Newport, Hampden-Sydney, Randolph-Macon, and Washington & Lee, just to name a few.
7. Catholic (5-5): The Cardinals limped to a 1-5 finish in ODAC action last season, losing their final two contests by a combined 10 points. The late season slide followed a 3-0 start, with all of those wins coming by a combined nine points. In fact, winning close games became a habit for CUA in 2011, as all five of the Cardinals victories came by nine points or less. Now, if they could only find a way to win more conference games in 2012.
8. Guilford (2-8): The Quakers look to move up in the ODAC standings after finishing 1-5 in conference play last season. That followed a winless 2010 campaign. One of the highlights of the 2011 season came on September 3, when the Quakers crushed archrival Greensboro, 27-7, to snap an 11-game losing streak that dated back to the final game of 2009.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: In what can best be described as the so-called "silly season" in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC), this intrastate NCAA Division II Super Region 1 league produced a conference champion (Concord) that went winless in non-conference action (0-3), but lost just one league contest, a nine-win team that lost its final two games of the season (West Virginia Wesleyan), another nine-game winner that lost back-to-back games at mid-season, yet ended 2011 on a five-game winning streak (Shepherd), two more teams that went winless outside of the WVIAC, yet finished with a winning record (5-3) in conference play (Charleston, Glenville State), not to mention a team that won seven games overall, but could only manage a .500 record in league action (Fairmont State). Oh, and there were three teams (Seton Hill, West Liberty, and West Virginia State) that all finished last season with just one win a piece, just for good measure.
Even when the dust finally settled on that silly 2011 season, it was another team that finished with seven wins overall (Concord) that took home the WVIAC title. As the No. 6 seed entering the D-II playoffs, the Mountain Lions were the league's lone representative when postseason play rolled. They suffered a tough, season-ending loss to Kutztown, 17-14.
One more thing. Prior to last season, the WVIAC had at least one team win at least 10 or games in a single season from 2005-2010.
Looking ahead: Will 2012 produce even more silliness, with an unlikely champion like Concord emerging to the top of the heap? Or will a team like Shepherd or West Virginia Wesleyan step up, and lead the pack? Those are questions that will have to be answered throughout the upcoming season, huh?
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Shepherd (9-2): Despite a 4-0 start, as well as a 5-0 finish, to the 2011 season, it was that two-game losing streak at mid-season that forced the Rams to sit at home come playoff time. Both of those losses, to Concord and West Virginia Wesleyan, came on the road. They'll play host to both the Mountain Lions and Bobcats on successive weekends in 2012 (September 29 and October 6).
2. West Virginia Wesleyan (9-2): With a 9-0 record, all of the stars appeared to be lined up for the Bobcats to a least have an undefeated regular season, and advance to the NCAA Division II playoffs. Then the unthinkable happened. They were upset by Charleston on November 5, followed by a season-ending setback at Concord a week later. Both losses proved to derail the Bobcats postseason hopes. Now, it'll be interesting to see if they can win the games that count, in November. Lucky for these "Cats", they'll have a chance at payback when they play host to Charleston and Concord on the final two weeks of the regular season.
3. Concord (7-4): After winning their first WVIAC championship since 1990, the Mountain Lions will surely have the big bullseye on their backs in 2012, as one of the highlights of this year's schedule include a home game against D-II semifinalist Winston-Salem State on September 8, as well as a visit to FCS Liberty on October 20. Looks like the Mountain Lions won't be sneaking up on anyone.
4. Fairmont State (7-4): The Fighting Falcons started the 2011 season at 5-1, but faltered down the stretch, losing three of their final five games. It'll be interesting to see if they can finish the 2012 season better than they started.
5. Glenville State (5-6): The Pioneers lost five of their six contests of 2011 by 10 points or more. They'll be looking for their first conference championship since 2008, as well as their first NCAA Division II playoff appearance since 1997, when they were crushed by eventual national runner-up New Haven, 47-7. Getting there, though, might prove to be a tough task, as the Pioneers will play five of their six games on the road, including four straight away games between September 22 and October 13, to start the 2012 season. Oh, and they also must pay visits to West Virginia Wesleyan and Shepherd along the way. Ouch!
6. Charleston (5-6): After a dismal 1-6 start to 2011, the Golden Eagles were well, golden down the stretch, ending the season on a four-game winning streak, including that upset win over West Virginia Wesleyan on November 5. They hope that strong finish will carry over into 2012. They'll be tested quickly in conference play with the league opener at defending WVIAC champion Concord on September 15, followed by a home game against Shepherd a week later.
7. Seton Hill (1-10): A 26-22 win over West Liberty on October 29 ended a 13-game losing streak for the Griffins, only to have a new skid start the following week, that brought 2011 to a close with back-to-back losses.
8. West Liberty (1-10): It appears that the magical playoff run of 2009 in which they finished 11-2 is merely a memory for the Hilltoppers, as they enter the 2012 season having lost five straight games. It was also the first losing season for the Hilltoppers under head coach Roger Waialae. It'll be interesting to see if they can re-capture the magic of three years ago.
9. West Virginia State (1-9): The Yellow Jackets also limped to the finish line to finish 2011, carrying a six-game skid into 2012.
